Pascal Gauthier, the Chairman and CEO of Ledger, which specializes in the development of hardware wallets for cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), has...
Pascal Gauthier
Pascal Gauthier, the Chairman and CEO of Ledger, which specializes in the development of hardware wallets for cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), has played a crucial role in driving the company's growth. Ledger offers a range of hardware wallets and accompanying applications that enhance the usability of these wallets.
Ledger Stax. (source: Ledger shop website)
The Story Behind Growth: Data Processing Capabilities
Gauthier's career began with Kelkoo, a price comparison service acquired by Yahoo. At Kelkoo, he served as the Commercial Director overseeing sales in the automotive, travel, and shopping sectors. Later, in 2008, Gauthier joined Criteo, a technology company providing advertising services to online retailers. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for five years, he effectively utilized machine learning technology and measurable ROI strategies to drive Criteo's rapid growth into a global company with a billion-dollar revenue scale.
After leaving Criteo, Gauthier joined Index Ventures in 2014 as an Entrepreneur in Residence(EIR), where he recognized the potential of Bitcoin. Inspired by this realization, he founded Kaiko, a blockchain data service provider, leveraging his expertise in data processing acquired during his time at Criteo. Kaiko collects and processes transaction and order book data from major cryptocurrency exchanges, offering subscription-based services to its clients.
Innovation in Hardware Wallets and Security through Ledger
In 2017, he assumed the role of CEO at Ledger. Explaining his decision to join the company, he stated as follows:
"I started working with Ledger early 2015, as a seed investor and non-executive board member. I have been impressed by the speed at which Ledger developed a unique technology over the past few years, filling in a gap in the market for a secure, yet user friendly solution to manage cryptocurrencies using a hardware wallet, and thus supporting the ecosystem growth. I am excited by the opportunity to join a fantastic, passionate team working on a distinctive technology for which I envision multiple use cases, as an increasing number of industries are in the process of adopting cryptocurrencies."
— FORMER CRITEO COO JOINS LEADING SECURITY PLAYER IN CRYPTOCURRENCY SPACE, (paraphrased and excerpt)
Ledger established a joint venture called "Komainu" in 2018, in collaboration with Nomura Holdings, a comprehensive Japanese bank, and Coinshares, a European alternative asset manager. Komainu was formed to explore how traditional financial institutions could offer services related to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency custody. A number of prominent financial institutions, including Nomura Holdings, are actively harnessing blockchain technology to digitize and issue conventional financial assets like stocks and bonds. This strategic move is driven by their objective to minimize costs and streamline various processes. Aligning with this growing demand, Komainu offers enterprise custody solutions that specifically cater to the requirements of these institutions.
Ledger's primary offerings include Ledger Live, a custody wallet solution, and Ledger Stax, a hardware wallet. The Ledger Live application enables users to manage NFTs using Ledger's hardware wallets -particularly the Nano and Stax- allowing them to view NFTs directly without relying on third-party wallets or external marketplaces. Recently, Ledger Live has expanded its ecosystem to include the Cosmos network in addition to Ethereum.
Ledger Stax, designed by Tony Fadell, co-inventor of the iPod and iPhone, incorporates enhanced security features based on the expertise of the Donjon team, a world-renowned security research laboratory. Ledger's products distinguish themselves from other wallets through their unique design and robust security measures.
"As we enter this new era, the smartphone in your pocket and the laptop on your desk lack fundamental security properties. These devices were built to produce and share content in a centralized Internet of Information, not to own and trade assets in a decentralized Internet of Value. My point is clear: you need a new generation of hardware to explore this next chapter."
— A MESSAGE FROM PASCAL GAUTHIER, CHAIRMAN & CEO OF LEDGER, (paraphrased and excerpt)
With unwavering confidence in Ledger's ability to revolutionize security solutions, Pascal Gauthier consistently works on improving hardware devices and enhancing software experiences. Ledger Live continues to add support for new cryptocurrencies, blockchain services, features, and has recently released the Ledger Extension, compatible with web browsers.
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Writer: Chris Park, Research Contributor at DeSpread
Reviewed by Jeehyun Ham, PR Lead at DeSpread
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